FULHAM PALACE

Medieval moated Bishop's palace first documented during the 12th century. The present building was constructed in 1480 and was altered 1506-22, 1750 and 1764-66. The palace was also remodelled in 1814. Excavations in 1972 located evidence for possible Roman or post-Roman in origins for the moat. These excavations also located a part of a Roman settlement and Neolithic and Mesolithic activity.

It is known that there has been a bishop's palace in Fulham since at least the eleventh century. The present Fulham Palace was constructed in 1480 by Bishop Kemp with additions carried out by Bishop Fitzjames in 1506-22; Bishop Sherlock in 1750 and by Stiff Leadbetter for Bishop Terrick in 1764-6. The palace was remodelled and refronted by S.P Cockerell for Bishop Howley in 1814, this included the transition of the Great Hall into a chapel. The palace was the official residence for the Bishop of London until 1973. (1-3)

The palace was originally surrounded by a moat, which was first documented in the 12th century, it is still visible as an earthwork enclosing an area of 14.5 hectares. The earthwork is considered to be Medieval but various interpretations on its date and function include an Iron Age or Early Medieval earthwork and a Roman defended enclosure. Excavations carried out in 1972 revealed that the moat had been cleared out by the end of the 18th century destroying any earlier evidence. However, the discovery of a possible late 4th century bank indicates the possibility that the earthwork originates from the post-Roman period.

A rescue excavation and resistivity survey carried out, during 1975-76, in the north-west corner of the moated area revealed that c. 0.4 hectares had been annexed during the Medieval period. This appears to have takened place by the 13th century and enclosed the immediate area of the palace.

The excavations carried out in 1972 have also identified a number of Roman features including a ditch terminal, a pit containing the skulls of a horse and dog and a possible building. These features may represent a Roman settlement, possibly part of the settlement identified south of the River Thames (TQ 27 NW 3). Mesolithic and Neolithic activity was also identified. (4-6)